Beethoven: The Late Great is the Society's multi-year Beethoven celebration and musical exploration, curated by Dean Corey, into the final transcendence of one of the greatest composers of all time.

After watching the play 33 Variations, the story of a terminally ill musicologist racing against her own mortality trying to solve the riddle of why Beethoven wrote
33 variations of Anton Diabelli’s silly little waltz when he was only commissioned to write one, Mr. Corey was inspired to curate a number of Beethoven performances from his late period for the Philharmonic Society so audiences could explore this curious time in the composer’s life.

Join us on this exploration into Beethoven.

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News & Events

Beethoven: The Late Great Events: January-May 20141/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

MUSICMandelring QuartetFebruary 23 | 3pm | Irvine Barclay Theatre

Beethoven's String Quartet in A minor, and works by Mendelssohn and Shostakovich. Pre-concert lecture by Dean Corey, 2pm. Tickets start at $35.

The Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Daniel Alfred Wachs performs Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the first movement of his Piano Concerto No. 1, and the U.S. West Coast premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage's Frieze (commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society, BBC Radio 3 and the New York Philharmonic). Appearances by choirs of Chapman University and UCI, The Chapman Orchestra, and soloists. Tickets start at $20.

EXHIBITIONSRed HotJanuary 20 - February 20 | South Coast Plaza

Internationally renowned artist Trimpin's new work "Red Hot" is an interactive piece made up of a deconstructed baby grand piano suspended from a tripod, configured to play the "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and other Beethoven themes when triggered by movement from passersby. FREE to the general public during regular business hours.

An exhibition of Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts comic strips featuring a serious young pianist named Schroeder whose love for Beethoven and his music was all-consuming. A self-playing Yamaha Disklavier piano, graciuosly provided by Keyboard Concepts and Yamaha, will accompany the exhibition and provide patrons with an up-close mini performance of Beethoven's challenging Hammerklavier Sonata, which was featured in one of the strips. FREE to all ticketholders where the exhibit is located.

Beethoven: The Late Great ExhibitionFebruary 8 - May 18 | Bowers Museum

See rare Beethoven artifacts curated by Dr. William Meredith, director of the Beethoven Center at San Jose State University. Included are three original manuscripts never before exhibited on the West Coast from the Library of Congress, the life mask of 1812, locks of the composer's hair, and more. Highlights include original manuscripts of the String Quartet in B-flat major, Op. 130, and the Hammerklavier Sonata. Admission: Adults $13 weekdays/$15 weekends; Students and Seniors (62+) $10 weekdays/$12 weekends; Free under 12.

Join one of the world's preeminent Beehoven scholars in an in-depth conversation on Beethoven. Learn facts about Beethoven: the man and the composer. Admission: $7 for Bowers members; $10 non-members or $5 with museum admission.

Lecture & Book Signing with Dean CoreyMarch 28 | 8pm | Bowers Museum

Philharmonic Society President and Artistic Director Dean Corey talks about his new book, his lifelong fascination with Beethoven, his career in classical music, and the inspiration behind the Society's Beethoven project. Admission: $15 for Bowers members; $20 non-members (price includes museum admission starting at 5pm).

Documentary account of the life of Beethoven, covering all of the major highlights from his birth in 1770 through his death in 1827. Rated G; run time 139 min. Admission: $7 for Bowers members; $10 non-members or $5 with museum admission.

Beethoven's HairApril 5 & 16 | 1:30pm - 3pm | Bowers Museum

Tracethe unlikely journey of a lock of hair cut from Beethoven's corpse and unravel the mystery of his tortured life and death. Unrated, run time 84 min. Audience grades 7-12 and adult. FREE to Bowers members, free with museum admission or $8 individual ticket.

Copying BeethovenMay 1 & 17 | 1:30pm - 3:15pm | Bowers Museum

A fictional take on the triumphs and heartaches of Ludwig van Beethoven's last years. PG13, run time 104 min. FREE to Bowers members, free with museum admission or $8 individual ticket.

2014 Newport Beach Film FestivalOrange County Theatrical Premiere: Following the NinthMultiple screenings: April 24 - May 1 | Various venues in Newport Beach

A cinematic journey across five continents and into the heart and soul of one of the world's greatest works of art, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Tickets on sale April 1st. For a complete listing of screening dates and showtimes, visit NewportBeachFilmFest.com.

1314 BEETHOVEN: THE LATE GREAT EVENTS ANNOUNCED2/1/2013 12:00:00 PM

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Philharmonic Society and the 21st and final season of Dean Corey’s leadership, the Society will present a multi-season celebration of the major late works of Ludwig van Beethoven and feature community-wide events showcasing Beethoven and his inspirational genius.

2013-14 Beethoven: The Late Great Events

- Screenings of new documentary Following the Ninth- Ode to Joy art and sound installation by artist Trimpin

- Publication of Dean Corey's book Beethoven: The Late Great: 33 Personal Variations- Bowers Beethoven Exhibit and Copying Beethoven film screening- Charles M. Schulz' Peanuts Exhibit featuring "Schroeder and Beethoven"- Beethoven Concerts for Fifth Graders- Beethoven: The Late Great Finale concert with Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra performing Beethoven's Ninth and the U.S. West Coast premiere of new Turnage commission Frieze

Please check back for up-to-date information on Beethoven: The Late Great events.

Other Beethoven Resources

American Beethoven Society
An international organization of individuals devoted to the study and appreciation of Beethoven's life, music, and influence on culture and society to the present day.

Beethoven-Haus BonnDiscover new or little known facts about the famous composer. Gain an insight into the work of the Beethoven-Haus in Bonn and make use of the varied services on offer. In the place where Ludwig van Beethoven was born, he is still at his most alive.